China's economic growth picks up speed in third quarter

China's economic growth picked up pace in the July-to-September period, the first rise in three quarters.

The world's second-biggest economy grew 7.8% from a year earlier, up from 7.5% expansion in the previous quarter.

The official figures also showed growth in industrial output, retail sales and fixed asset investment.

After years of blistering growth, China has seen its pace of expansion slow recently and there have been fears that growth may slow further.

China has set a growth target of 7.5% for the year. Analysts said the latest numbers indicated that it was likely that Beijing would meet this.

"This is an indication that China's economic growth is holding up in a range which is within the comfort zone of both the Chinese policymakers as well as global watchers," said Song Seng Wun, a senior economist with CIMB Research .

'Keep it going'

Over the past few decades China has relied heavily on its exports and manufacturing sectors as well as government-led infrastructure spending to help boost growth.

The Chinese government is aiming for a slower and better balanced economy that can grow more sustainably